Q.What is transpiration? Explain role of transpiration.
You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.
Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Transpiration is vapour loss of surplus water mainly through leaves; it drives passive water/mineral absorption, ascent of sap, gas exchange, turgidity, and leaf cooling, but can also cause wilting if excessive.
Step 1. Definition. Transpiration is the loss of water in the form of vapour from a plant's aerial parts, mainly through the leaves (foliar transpiration), and also to a lesser extent through stem, flowers and fruits, via cuticular, lenticular and (dominantly) stomatal routes.
Step 2. Role in water absorption. Transpiration is the driving force for passive absorption (about 98% of total water uptake) — the negative water potential it creates in leaf mesophyll cells is transmitted, via the cohesive xylem column, all the way down to the root, pulling in more soil water.
Step 3. Role in ascent of sap. The suction (transpiration pull) generated by transpiration is central to the cohesion-tension theory, the accepted mechanism for lifting water and dissolved minerals up the xylem against gravity.
Step 4. Role in gas exchange. Because stomata must be open for transpiration to occur, transpiration is inseparable from the intake of CO2 for photosynthesis and the exchange of O2/CO2 for respiration. …
Unlock everything free for 14 days
- Full step-by-step solutions
- Concept-first explanations
- Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.